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Aluminium is a highly versatile, light & strong material, which can be produced in a variety of alloys & extruded into almost infinite number of shapes. The powerful combination of these factors enables the user to be more innovative & facilitates cost effective design.
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Extrusion
Extrusion - the most modern method of forming aluminium. Cylindrical aluminium alloy billets are heated to between 450 and 500 degree Celsius before being loaded into a container & pushed under pressure using ram through a die orifice. Infinite shapes & cross sections can be produced. On leaving the die the temperature of the section is more than 500 degree C and with heat treatable alloys the quenching, or solution heat treatment, takes place in the production line. |
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This
can be by water bath, water spray or forced-draught
air. It is then given a controlled stretch to
straighten and remove minor mis-alignments. The
section is then taken and cut to ordered lengths on
high speed tungsten carbide tipped saws.
If the material is required in the solution heat-treated condition (T4), it is released at this stage. If the full strength aged material (T6) is required, it is given a precipitation treatment before release. In case of the T5 temper, there is limited cooling at the press exit and the material goes directly to precipitation treatment. The sections produced (mill finish) can be given further surface finishing for higher consumer appeal. |
